The Winter of 63

Chapter 15

8pm

The Garden, Squaw Island

“Ha-ha Daddy! You can’t catch me!” John exclaimed as he ran about.

“I know you’re just too fast for me.”

John laughed before sitting down beside his Dad. “Thank you for a great birthday.”

“You’re welcome son.” Jack said as he ruffled John’s hair.

“Can you come tuck me in?” John asked.

“Sure son.”

Jack took his hand and guided him up to his room. John changed into his pyjamas and crawled into bed. “Daddy, who was Auntie Kick?”

Jack was a taken back. “You’re Auntie Kick was an amazing lady, she was like your mother not afraid to speak her mind.”

“Ok Daddy, night, night.”

“Night.”

Jack switched the light off and headed back down to Jackie. Caroline was already in bed.

Jack groaned as he sat down, his back was in agony. “Jackie why did John just ask me about Kick?”

“I may have mentioned her earlier….”

“Why?” Jack asked.

“Well John caught me crying…..And I said I was being silly and should be as strong as your Auntie Kick.”

“Oh…”

Jackie sat down beside him and rested her head on his chest. “We’ll get through this bunny….won’t we?”

“Of course we will, it’ll just take time.” Jack replied stroking her hair. She nodded and snuggled closer to him.

10pm

“Come on kid we should go to bed…it’s been a long day.” Jack yawned.

“Ok.”

Jack went upstairs while Jackie switched the lights off. He changed into his pyjamas and crawled into bed. He was nearly asleep by the time Jackie joined him.

Jack’s Dream

A House in London

“Mr Kennedy, She’s waiting for you in the study please go through.” The housekeeper said.

“Ok thank you.” Jack replied getting to his feet.

He walked down the hall and knocked on the door. Quickly a familiar smile met his eyes. “Jack.”

“Kick.” Jack smiled as he hugged her.

“Come in dear brother.”

Jack laughed and took a seat. “How are you?”

“I’m good but enough of that, we need to talk.”

“About what Kick?” Jack asked confused.

“I want you to know that everything’s going to be okay, things will get better for you and Jackie.”

“Kick?”

“Don’t interrupt Jack; it’s so typical of you.” Kick teased. “But really I know it’s hard just now but things will begin to look up for you honestly.”

“Okay….”

“Now I must go, Billy and I are going to the nursery to see our child.”